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New Zealand, a country of endless coastline, beautiful green rolling hills, winding roads and one lane bridges!!  Yes one lane bridges.  These one lane bridges are found throughout the Northland and anywhere outside of Auckland.  For me these bridges are quite the novelty.  It seems as if every crossing outside of Auckland has these one lane bridges that are just wide enough for their large transport trucks.  As we drive along the winding roads and take in the fairy tale scenery you will see your common traffic signs; speed limit, steep grade, sharp turn ahead and YIELD RIGHT OF . . .

WAY ON APPROACH TO BRIDGE.  Negotiating these one way bridges requires some experience and nerves.  Being a novice New Zealand driver I approach the bridge with caution and immediately slow down making sure another car is not approaching from the other direction.  Whereas a New Zealand driver seems to accelerate and play a game of chicken; probably thinking "the first one there has the right of way" so I will go faster.  This is my experience upon the approach to these bridges and part of me thinks that our rented Jucy Condo van with its purple and green colours and subtle advertising yells out TOURIST to the local Kiwis and hence they go faster to get to the bridge first.
     Of course this is not the case.  As Carolyn pointed out to me a sign indicates which direction has right of way north or south; east or west, if the sign idicates that the southbound driver must yield and give right of way then the southbound driver is expected to slow down and yield.  It is all civilized in the end yet I still find these one lane bridges quite the curiosity.
John
MUM
10/26/2011 06:29:26 am

Hi, All! Just starting to read your blog with Ted's assistance. Your trip sounds fantastic so far -

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Kelly
10/26/2011 03:07:40 pm

I am so excited for you all! I'm very happy you are blogging about it too, now I get to keep up with you all on your adventures!

Stay safe and have fun!

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Joan Greig
10/27/2011 11:56:16 am

Hi Folks: I am so envious of you because you are in New Zealand right now.I was there a year ago on a garden tour and we toured both the North and South Island.I hear from Mary that you are just doing the North Island (which I loved especially Auckland)which is really too bad because the South Island is so spectacular in the majestic scenery .Enjoy !!! I'll keep following you on the blog.Love from Joan

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Angela tantalo
10/31/2011 02:00:16 pm

hi everyone
I really enjoyed watching shrek get sheared. The beach is beautiful. I'm enjoying your blog. Your trip sounds amazing so far.
Love ange

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Danny
11/1/2011 10:06:57 pm

Even in New Zealand men can't follow directions! Keep posting pics. A nice wool sweater from down under would make a great gift (hint). Schrek could make sweaters for the whole family

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Uncle Dave and Auntie Mad
11/2/2011 10:28:48 am

Sounds like NZ is breathtaking. Looks like you are having a great start to the trip on the first leg in NZ and moving on to Australia. We have also been following Allegra's blog, which is great! With a longer stop in Australia, hopefully Allegra will experience some of the top activities from her wishlist. Have fun and stay safe.

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